Chapter 2077 : Emperors Clash in the Void

It was evident that at this moment, the Ant Heavenly Emperor had sent his youngest son to contend for the Heavenly Mandate, while the Heaven's Slaughter Great Emperor, who did not require the Mandate, served as the Path Guardian for Heaven Punishment.

At this moment, Heaven Punishment looked at the Ten Golden Crow Imperial Scions and inquired with a calm expression, "Are you all preparing to settle the victor first?"

Upon hearing this, a flicker of apprehension crossed the faces of the Ten Golden Crow Imperial Scions.

If it were merely Heaven Punishment alone, they would not have been overly concerned. However, the Heaven's Slaughter Great Emperor possessed combat prowess capable of directly confronting a Sage Ascendant, which was enough to make them feel a significant threat.

Most crucially, if they were to truly engage in battle at this juncture, even if the Ant Heavenly Emperor's Lineage did not intervene, it would still pose an immense danger to them.

With this thought, Soaring Heavenly Imperial Scion, one of the Ten Great Imperial Scions, held back Soaring Sky Imperial Scion and gave a slight shake of his head.

"Hmph—"

Understanding the intent, Soaring Sky Imperial Scion merely snorted coldly before turning and vanishing into the Depths of Chaos.

Witnessing this, Worthy Pursuit Chen cupped his hands and said, "My thanks for your assistance."

"Think nothing of it."

Heaven Punishment [a powerful cultivator] smiled faintly before speaking. "I share some camaraderie with Returning Abyss Path Ancestor [the progenitor of the Returning Abyss Path]. This matter is of little consequence."

The group nodded in agreement, and no further words were spoken on the subject.

Meanwhile, within the Chaos [the primordial, formless void beyond ordered realms], the gathering of powerful figures gradually concluded. To their astonishment, they discovered that over one hundred experts at the Great Emperor [a supreme rank among cultivators, commanding vast power] level had assembled for this occasion.

Worthy Pursuit Chen exchanged glances with the others and sighed. "Between those destined to face the tribulation and their guardians, it seems the majority of the Great Emperor experts from the Southern Abyss Seven Domains [a collective name for seven perilous and profound regions in the southern reaches] have gathered here."

Vast Righteousness True Lord [a venerable lord known for his immense moral authority] nodded calmly. "The Opportunity and Fortune [the chance and destiny to ascend to a higher realm of power] to step into the Sage Ascendant Realm [a legendary realm transcending that of Great Emperors] is not something they can afford to ignore."

At that very moment, a tremor ran through the space beyond the Savage Primordial Domain [an ancient, untamed realm from the dawn of creation]. An invisible barrier was torn asunder by the collective might of the assembled experts.

Immediately, numerous Great Emperor-level powerhouses surged forward, charging into the depths of the Savage Primordial Domain.

Lingering Ye and his companions shared a look. Without a moment's hesitation, they too stepped across the threshold and into the Savage Primordial Domain.

"Huff—"

The moment they crossed into the Primordial Domain [a general term for these ancient, foundational realms], an overwhelming aura of killing intent [a palpable, hostile energy born of conflict] washed over them from the very heavens and earth.

A tyrannical and utterly desolate aura saturated this Primordial Domain [a primordial world in its earliest stages of formation], filling even the void itself with countless resentful wills of profound unwillingness.

"These are the lingering, bitter resentments left behind after the ordained fate of the Nine Heaven-Appointed Divine Sovereigns [the nine supreme beings whose destiny was decreed by Heaven itself] was shattered and they fell,"

Worthy Remembrance Chen spoke slowly, a trace of solemnity flickering in his gaze.

Lingering Ye gave a slight nod and continued, "Our tasks ahead are threefold. First, we must purify the Fiendish Energy [a corrupt and malevolent form of spiritual energy] and the resentful wills that permeate this world."

"Second, we must widely recruit disciples within this newly born Primordial Domain and spread the teachings of the cultivation path."

"Third, we must Recovery [a profound divine ability to restore and rejuvenate] the primordial energy of heaven and earth, and ultimately contend for the Heavenly Path Authority Power [the supreme authority to govern the laws of the Heavenly Path] in this tribulation."

Little Scale Emperor also nodded, adding, "Beyond these tasks, we must also guard against attacks from others."

Carefree Great Emperor inclined his head in agreement. "Let us each first secure a renowned mountain as our Path-Field [a sacred site for cultivating one's Dao and establishing a legacy], where we can impart the cultivation path and simultaneously purify the Fiendish Energy and resentful wills of this land."

"As for contending for the Heavenly Path Authority and performing the Recovery of the Heaven and Earth Primordial Energy [the fundamental, life-giving energy that existed at the dawn of creation], we can proceed step by step."

"Should we face a siege by powerful foes, we can aid each other in both attack and defense."

The others nodded in agreement upon hearing this. Vast Righteousness True Lord spoke up immediately, "Since that is the case, let us act at once."

As his words fell, the group scattered, each setting out to search for the renowned Path-Field [a sacred mountain or land imbued with profound spiritual energy and natural laws] scattered across heaven and earth.

As a newly born Primordial Domain, it was naturally replete with high-grade Path-Field of all kinds. Among them were Path-Field of the Great Emperor level and even those reaching the tier of a Sage Ascendant.

Of all these Path-Field, the most crucial were the Nine Ancestral Veins [the nine supreme spiritual arteries of the Primordial Domain, said to be the source of its Mandate of Heaven] that had nurtured the nine Mandate of Heaven Divine Sovereign.

Legend held that the Nine Ancestral Veins contained the Mandate of Heaven [the divine right to rule, a cosmic authority]. To fully seize control of one was to gain the potential to become one of the new nine Mandate of Heaven Divine Sovereign.

Precisely for this reason, most of the Imperial Lord who had entered the Desolate Ancient Realm to contend for this Mandate made their way to seize the Nine Ancestral Veins as their first priority.

However, Worthy Pursuit Chen, Worthy Remembrance Chen, and Lingering Ye and the others did not join the struggle for these Nine Ancestral Veins.

It was not due to any lack of strength on the part of the Chen Clan. In truth, if they joined forces, with the aid of Vast Righteousness True Lord and Little Scale Emperor and others, they stood a very real chance of capturing one Ancestral Vein.

But to do so would make them the target of all in the days to come.

After all, whether one could control one of the Nine Ancestral Veins was a key factor in obtaining the Mandate of Heaven. The powerful experts of the Great Emperor Realm would certainly not let slip such a rare opportunity.

Among those contending for the Mandate of Heaven [the divine right to rule and ascend] in this grand struggle, there were many top-tier Great Emperor and even Invincible Great Emperor level powerhouses. If they were to be besieged by the masses, even they would likely find themselves in dire straits.

Rather than seizing an Ancestral Vein only to be endlessly harassed and drained of energy by countless challengers, it was wiser to lie low for now. They would first spread their teachings, Recovery [a divine ability to restore and heal], gather Heaven and Earth Primordial Energy [the primordial energy of creation], and focus on enhancing their own strength.

Once their power had advanced another step, capturing an Ancestral Vein would perhaps be a far simpler task.

In truth, many harbored similar thoughts. Those with the loftiest ambitions went to vie for the Primordial Chaos Ancestral Vein [the supreme source vein of primordial chaos energy], while others, settling for a lesser prize, turned their attention to the Great Emperor level Path-Field [a territory imbued with a cultivator's Dao, serving as a foundation for their power].

However, by comparison, Great Emperor level Path-Field were far more numerous, making the competition for them considerably less fierce.

Given their formidable strength, securing such a Path-Field was a matter of little difficulty for our group.

Indeed, it was not long before each of them had successfully claimed a Great Emperor level Path-Field for themselves.

Worthy Pursuit Chen journeyed to the Western Pole Lands, where he secured a Great Emperor level Spirit Mountain [a mountain rich with spiritual energy] as his Path-Field. There, he purified the land's Karmic Sin Power [the accumulated negative karma and sin] with radiant Buddhist light, enlightened the myriad living beings, and imparted to them the cultivation methods of the Buddhist Sect.

Worthy Remembrance Chen ventured to the Eastern Region and conquered the Innate [a primordial, heaven-born state] Forbidden Land known as 'Bagua Mountain' [Eight Trigrams Mountain]. He planted an Innate Supreme Treasure Spiritual Root [a heaven-born supreme treasure that is also a spiritual root] there—the 'Eight Trigrams Treasure Tree'—using its power to cleanse the land of Fiendish Energy [malevolent and corrupt spiritual energy] and lingering resentment.

As for Lingering Ye, he went to the Eastern Pole Sea. After finding a suitable Path-Field, he scattered billions of his incarnations across the Endless Dimensional Space, roaming its vast expanse to propagate the cultivation path of the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation art centered on self-sacrifice and transcendence].

Compared to the methods of the Buddhist Sect and the Immortal Path [the orthodox path of cultivation seeking immortality], the Sacrificial Self Path [a cultivation art that sacrifices the self to empower the soul] places far fewer demands on one's foundation and innate talent. Rather than spreading its teachings within the Savage Primordial Domain [the newly born, chaotic primordial world], it would be far more effective to disseminate it across the boundless Myriad Heavens [the infinite realms and dimensions of existence].

After all, the Savage Primordial Domain has only just opened; the world is nearly devoid of mortal life. For the Innate Divine Spirit [beings born from the essence of heaven and earth, possessing immense natural power] to practice the Sacrificial Self Path, they would have to sever all karmic ties and reincarnate anew—a price far too steep.

It is far better to spread the Path across the Myriad Heavens, allowing the countless mortals within the endless Dimensional Void [the empty spaces between realms and worlds] to embark upon the cultivation journey.

Aside from the three disciples under Eldrin Chen, both the Little Scale Emperor and the Carefree Great Emperor had also secured a Path-Field [a territory or domain dedicated to spreading a specific cultivation path or doctrine].

Leveraging his identity, the Little Scale Emperor directly integrated himself into the local Qilin Clan [a clan of the auspicious, dragon-like Qilin beasts], becoming the Patriarch [the supreme leader of a clan or sect] of the Qilin [a mythical, auspicious beast often associated with good fortune] lineage for this cosmic cycle.

The Carefree Great Emperor likewise conquered a sacred mountain, where he began imparting the Immortal Path scriptures of the Great Abyss lineage. This act established an offshoot branch for the Great Abyss Ancestral Court [the supreme headquarters or origin sect of the Great Abyss lineage] within this era.

As for Vast Righteousness True Lord, he occupied a Great Emperor [a supreme cultivation realm, one step below the Path Ancestor] level Stellar [a celestial body imbued with immense spiritual power, often a star or planet] within the Boundless Starry Sky [the infinite cosmos filled with stars and realms]. He transformed it into a Confucian Path [a cultivation path based on the principles of Confucian philosophy, emphasizing virtue, scholarship, and order] Literary Star [a celestial body radiating the essence of literature, scholarship, and Confucian virtue].

Using the radiant starlight of this Literary Star as his foundation, he began transmitting the cultivation methods of the Confucian Path across the infinite dimensions.

Thus, the six contenders vying for the role of Person of Destiny [a figure prophesied or destined to shape the course of an era] had each completed the first step of their grand designs.

While these six were laying their foundations, the struggle over the Nine Ancestral Veins [nine primordial sources of spiritual energy and power, crucial for establishing supreme lineages] raged on unabated. Over a hundred Great Emperor had already clashed in multiple fierce contests for control of these vital Nine Ancestral Veins.

In the end, only the Solar Ancestral Star and the Desolate Ancient Forbidden Abyss—these two Ancestral Vein [the supreme spiritual arteries of a world]—were successfully seized by the Ten Golden Crows and the Ant Heavenly Emperor's Lineage respectively.

The battles over the other Nine Earth Veins [the nine great spiritual arteries of the world] raged with unrelenting fury. Not only did they stubbornly refuse to yield a decisive victor, but the shockwaves of these colossal clashes even inflicted significant damage upon this Primordial Domain [the original, foundational world].

"These individuals are solely fixated on seizing the Mandate of Heaven's Opportunity and Fortune [the profound destiny and fortune tied to a world's rulership], yet they show utter disregard for the lives of all beings within this realm," Worthy Pursuit Chen lamented inwardly.

Watching the world suffer continuous harm, Worthy Pursuit Chen could not help but release a soft sigh.

However, given his current level of power, he possessed no means to halt the warring factions.

Left with no other choice, he could only traverse the heavens and earth, using his own spiritual power to dissipate the world's Karmic Sin Power [a malevolent spiritual energy born from suffering and sin] and to Recovery [a divine ability focused on healing and restoration] the damaged Earth Vein [spiritual arteries of the world] and mend the fractured fabric of Space-Time.

The other Great Emperor [a supreme cultivation realm, one step below the Heavenly Emperor] who had not yet joined the fray acted in a similar manner, to varying degrees, tirelessly repairing the Earth Vein and the world's vital essence.

Thus, almost imperceptibly, the great war dragged on for several dozen Kalpa Tribulation [an immense cosmic cycle spanning billions of years].

It was not until this day that the Great Emperor battling over the Nine Earth Veins finally noticed a significant reduction in the Karmic Sin Power permeating the world.

Those Great Emperor who had been purifying the Karmic Sin Power had all, to some extent, gained a measure of Light of Merit [a luminous energy representing accumulated virtuous deeds and good karma], and their cultivation bases had correspondingly seen noticeable advancement.

In stark contrast, their own cultivation bases had seen little advancement; instead, they had suffered significant depletion through the relentless succession of great battles.

Those who had successfully seized the Nine Ancestral Veins were in a better position. Those who had failed to claim a Primordial Chaos Ancestral Vein [a supreme spiritual vein born from primordial chaos] had already lost the subtle, preordained advantage.

With no other choice, they too halted their conflicts and began repairing the damaged Savage Primordial Domain, hoping to atone for their failures.

However, by this time, all Earth Vein [a foundational spiritual vein of a world] of Great Emperor [a supreme cultivation realm] caliber had already been claimed by others. They could only settle for the next best option: superior-grade Primordial One [the foundational, undivided state of existence] Path-Field [a domain where one's cultivation path manifests].

With their intervention, the Fiendish Energy [a corrupt and malevolent form of spiritual energy] permeating the Desolate Ancient Realm finally began to dissipate at an accelerated pace.

As time flowed on, roughly a dozen Kalpa Tribulation [an immense cosmic cycle in Buddhist cosmology, often billions of years] later, ninety percent of the Fiendish Energy between heaven and earth had vanished.

At this stage, the remaining Fiendish Energy in the world was essentially no longer a major concern.

To acquire Merit [a metaphysical "currency" representing good karma or virtuous deeds] and become this realm's Person of Destiny [one chosen by fate for a great purpose], the next step required Recovery [a divine ability to restore or heal] the realm's Heaven and Earth Primordial Energy [the primordial, life-giving energy of a world].

The method to Recovery the Heaven and Earth Primordial Energy was to repair the damaged Primordial One Earth Vein.

In ages past, the Seven Extremities Celestial Maiden and Panji Heavenly Emperor had struck, annihilating the nine Mandate of Heaven Divine Sovereign [a supreme sovereign whose authority is mandated by heaven] who were gestating within this realm, along with countless other beings possessing the potential to reach the Great Emperor realm.

This has resulted in the Path-Field [a cultivator's personal domain or territory] realms of this world at the Great Emperor [a supreme cultivation realm] level and above being largely in a state of semi-ruin.

To restore the vital essence of this world, the first task is to repair the Nine Ancestral Veins [the nine primordial spiritual arteries of a world] and the seventy-two Earth Vein [a major spiritual energy channel within the earth] of Great Emperor grade.

Depending on the number of Earth Vein repaired, individuals will receive vast amounts of Merit [a metaphysical "currency" representing good karma or virtuous deeds].

Ultimately, those who accumulate the greatest amount of Merit will gain the qualification to contend for this world's Mandate of Heaven [the divine right to rule, representing supreme authority and destiny].

It is precisely for this reason that people choose to preach to the masses, purify the heavens and earth, repair Earth Vein, and even compete for Ancestral Vein [a primordial spiritual artery].

For all these actions ultimately earn Merit bestowed by the world itself.

And the reason people vie for the Nine Ancestral Veins is that the Merit gained from repairing an Ancestral Vein is simply immense.

Repairing a single Ancestral Vein of Chaos Tier [pertaining to the primordial chaos, the highest order] grade yields more Merit than mending ten Earth Vein of Great Emperor grade.

Furthermore, the nine Chaos Earth Vein [a primordial chaos-grade spiritual artery] contain Mandate of Heaven Power [the power of the Mandate of Heaven]. Gaining control over any single Ancestral Vein grants one the qualification to contend for the status of Person of Destiny [one chosen by fate], even if their accumulated Merit is insufficient.

This is precisely why, from the outset, a great multitude contended for the Primordial Chaos Ancestral Vein [the supreme primordial chaos spiritual artery], willing to waste dozens of Kalpa Tribulation [an immense cosmic cycle in Buddhist cosmology, often billions of years] in the pursuit.

At this moment, as the world's Fiendish Energy [a malevolent and corrupting form of spiritual energy] underwent Recovery [a process of purification and restoration], those Great Emperor [supreme cultivators who have ascended to the pinnacle of power] who sought to seize the Great Emperor-rank Earth Vein [a powerful, earth-aligned spiritual ley line] discovered they were already somewhat late.

These Earth Vein had, for the most part, already found masters. Worthy Pursuit Chen went a step further, directly restoring the Three Great Emperor Path-Fields of the West [three supreme cultivation domains in the western regions] and designating them as the Three Spirit Mountains [three sacred peaks] of Mahayana Buddhism [the Great Vehicle school of Buddhism].

With these Three Spirit Mountains and their Earth Vein already restored, the Merit [karmic credit earned through virtuous deeds] had already accrued to Worthy Pursuit Chen. Further contention was meaningless, especially since the Three Spirit Mountains were now protected by the Great Emperor Slaughter Formation [a formation of immense power capable of slaying even Great Emperors].

The other members of the Chen Clan Lineage found themselves in similar situations, more or less.

Seizing the initiative, they each restored three Great Emperor-rank Path-Field [a domain or territory aligned with a specific cultivation path] and claimed them as the Three Primordial Courts [the three foundational halls] for the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation art centered on self-sacrifice] and the Immortal Path [the path of immortality].

Even Carefree Great Emperor and Little Scale Emperor managed to claim two or three Great Emperor-rank Path-Field for themselves.

In the boundless void, Vast Righteousness True Lord restored twelve Emperor-Rank Stellar [stars of Emperor-level potency] and used them to deploy the Confucian Path Stellar Grand Formation [a grand stellar formation based on Confucian principles], thereby altering the fundamental rules of the Desolate Ancient Realm [a primordial and untamed world] to a certain degree.

Under the influence of these Stellar [celestial bodies imbued with spiritual power], the Savage Primordial Domain [the domain of primal savagery] began to give birth to Vast Righteous Energy [an energy of immense moral authority and righteousness], paving the most crucial step for practitioners within the Savage Primordial Domain to cultivate the Confucian Path Art [the cultivation art of the Confucian Path].

Those who seized the initiative reaped a sea of Merit. Though it could not compare to the gains of those who controlled the Nine Primordial Chaos Ancestral Veins [the nine foundational spiritual veins born from primordial chaos], it still represented a significant head start.

Following the Recovery of the Earth Vein, they all received, to varying degrees, a nourishing feedback from the veins themselves, causing their cultivation bases to advance by leaps and bounds.

As early as a dozen Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles] ago, Imperial Sovereign Jiang was the first to break through to the Great Emperor Realm [the pinnacle realm of a sovereign cultivator].

Having stepped into the Great Emperor Realm, Imperial Sovereign Jiang shattered his limits once more, obtaining a True Spirit Imprint [a profound spiritual seal containing the essence of a primordial spirit].

He fused all the True Spirit Imprint he had accumulated over the years into his Immortal Treasury [a mystical internal repository for storing immense power], ultimately achieving the cultivation of the Four True Spirit Immortal Treasuries [a supreme art that creates four divine repositories powered by true spirit imprints].

With the empowerment of the Four True Spirit Immortal Treasuries, Imperial Sovereign Jiang's combat prowess instantly surpassed the ultimate limits of a Great Emperor, reaching an invincible level comparable to that of a Sage Ascendant [a realm just below the legendary Sages].

Aside from Imperial Sovereign Jiang, the others had also made breakthroughs, some greater, some lesser.

Lingering Ye broke through to the Primordial One Imperial Lord 8th Tier [the eighth tier of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm]. Although his strength could not match Imperial Sovereign Jiang's, he was already counted among the most elite Great Emperor.

Worthy Pursuit Chen was the third to break through. He used the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method based on self-sacrifice and rebirth] to step into the Great Emperor Realm, his foundation rivaling even that of Imperial Sovereign Jiang.

Bolstered by the Great Power Heavenly Dragon Scripture [a supreme scripture granting the power of a heavenly dragon], Worthy Pursuit Chen's strength was, in fact, slightly superior.

As for Worthy Remembrance Chen, his cultivation progress was a half-step slower, yet he had reached the very threshold of breaking through to the Great Emperor Realm.

"Your foundation is not far from a breakthrough either."

On this day, within the Eastern Barrens Holy Land, the avatar of Eldrin Chen sat facing Worthy Remembrance Chen.

That Eldrin Chen regarded Worthy Remembrance Chen with a trace of a smile and said, "After accumulating for so many years, it is time for your breakthrough, is it not?"

"Mm."

Worthy Remembrance Chen gave a slight nod, then spoke, "Father, regarding the Future Path, your son feels somewhat lost in his heart."

"Speak your mind." Eldrin Chen said calmly, his voice unhurried.

Worthy Remembrance Chen pondered for a moment before replying, "In your opinion, should your son walk the Path of Eight Trigrams Unification, or continue on the current path?"

A flicker passed through Eldrin Chen's eyes as he instantly understood Worthy Remembrance Chen's thoughts.

This child of his had been born carrying the Innate Eight Trigrams [the eight fundamental symbols representing cosmic principles], capable of simultaneously cultivating eight different Great Path [profound cultivation methodologies]. After years of meticulous tempering, he now had the confidence to cultivate eight Great Path Divine Form [divine manifestations of a Great Path] at once.

The so-called Path of Eight Trigrams Unification meant completely sacrificing and fusing all eight Great Path into a single Eight Trigrams Great Path that possessed the power of all eight Great Path Divine Form.

In doing so, Worthy Remembrance Chen would be forging an entirely new Great Path, ascending to the heavens in a single step and directly breaking through to the Sage Ascendant Realm [a realm of cultivation where one is on the cusp of sagehood].

This path not only promised a meteoric rise in his strength but also carried minimal peril, even sparing him the need to vie with others for the authority of the Path Mastery realm.

The other path was to cultivate all eight Great Path to the Path Mastery Realm. However, this road was likely to be exceedingly arduous.

The eight constituent Great Path of the Eight Trigrams Great Path were each a Perfect Innate Great Path. Furthermore, there were even powerhouses at the level of a Chaos Heavenly Emperor who held mastery over them.

For Worthy Remembrance Chen to tread this path, the future seemed fraught with difficulty.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen did not state it outright. Instead, he spoke, "Individually, the eight paths that form the complete Eight Trigrams Great Path might not seem extraordinary."

"Yet, these eight Great Path possess a near-perfect synergy. Once fused into the singular Eight Trigrams Great Path, they would manifest seventy-two Great Path Divine Form."

"Theoretically, this is one of the mightiest Limitless Great Path. To forsake it might mean your cultivation journey could only ever reach the First Realm of Chaos."

Worthy Remembrance Chen felt a stir in his heart and nodded immediately. "This child understands," he said.